Red Ribbon Week – October 23rd-31st
“Substance use is not an individual problem, it is a community issue.”
Red Ribbon Week is the world’s largest and longest drug-use prevention campaign. Celebrated on October 23rd-31st every year, this campaign not only brings awareness to substance use, but the prevention efforts in place to help youth and adults alike, live healthy drug-free lifestyles.
I know you are probably asking yourself… “Okay, but what can I do?” Throughout this week you can help break the stigma and silence around substance use.
- Start a conversation with the youth in your life regarding what they know about substance use.
- Get outdoors and surround yourself with drug-free activities.
- Sign the Red Ribbon Campaign Pledge.
- Join Breakwater and our mission in preventing and reducing youth and adult substance use in Winnebago County.
Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent with them about not using substances underage. It takes all of us, as a community, to stand up to the issue of substance use. We can be the change that reduces youth substance use in our community- but we can’t do it alone. I encourage you to participate in drug prevention education activities, not only during Red Ribbon Week but throughout the year.
Learn more about Red Ribbon Week: https://www.redribbon.org/
Hannah is the Drug-Free Communities grant Coordinator for Breakwater.
